My husband recently had a super quick conference in Roseville, so we decided to make the most of it. It was only four hours, so I set out to find spots that were cheap and the kids would enjoy. Pleasantly surprised, I found out there was a nature center in Roseville that we had never been to and a library that was supposed to be really good. Both places exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds! Let me tell you about both.
Harriet Alexander Nature Center:
We started at this nature center, which is actually run by the City of Roseville. When you park in the parking lot, it is not the building that is right off the parking lot. Instead, you walk up a winding path to a beautiful nature center. Inside, a huge tree welcomes you in the middle of the space. Many toys and hands-on experiences waited for us. My kids gravitated towards a tent set up, along with a pretend fire, logs, and a blow up canoe. It’s truly amazing how fast kids are drawn into dramatic play set-ups. As my kids got down to what they do best, playing, we were greeted by friendly volunteers who told us about the nature center and asked if we had ever visited. They were extremely welcoming and helpful. I continued to look around as my kids played. Tons of educational resources were available throughout the nature center. Soon, my youngest moved to the corn sensory bin. If you know my family well, you know my kids love sensory bins. So, it was a good twenty minutes before she moved.
While she played, we looked at the animals and played a game that was sitting out. It was like a “Kerplunk” game or “yeti in my spaghetti” game, but with bees and branches. All of the kids enjoyed coloring sheets as well. We definitely could have stayed and played for a lot longer than we did. This nature center has a lot to offer for kids of all ages. Knowing we wanted to get to the library as well, we moved outside. In the woods off the path, there was a small play area with sticks piled into a fort. A beautiful boardwalk awaited us, nestled into the trees. The water beneath the board walk was frozen and offered gorgeous views of the landscape. About a mile, the boardwalk was the perfect length for a walk and was accessible for all. I can only imagine how stunning the boardwalk is in all seasons and look forward to returning during other seasons to see the beauty present.
Location: 2520 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113
Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays: 10 am- 4pm
Sundays: 1-4 pm
Mondays: Closed
Ramsey County Library- Roseville:
After finishing our walk, we got packed up and drove to the Ramsey County Library- Roseville. I’d heard this was a good library, but that doesn’t even begin to explain what a hidden gem this place is. Walking back to the kid’s section, everyone was instantly shocked at all this library offers. My youngest daughter was ecstatic to see a wall full of gears that she could play with before even entering the children’s section. Several STEM activities were the first spots to grab our attention, including a large lite brite wall, a wall with pipes to maneuver to make your own maze, a large light table with magna-tiles, and a small wind tunnel with scarves. This library really felt like a mini children’s museum, but free! As we continued to explore, I loved that there were activities for kids to do on almost every book shelf end. Kids can definitely keep busy here for hours.
Further back in the kid’s section included a post office dramatic play area. My middle child instantly began to play in this section and accept mail while my youngest child became engrossed in puzzles. One other thing I noticed about this library is there was a nursing room. There was a rocking chair and some toys in a room that you could close the door. For two of my kids, this would have been so helpful as they got so distracted eating and needed the quiet. Last, we noticed there was an outdoor play area! What a gift! Outside, there were several building areas and a play house. Also, a parent told me there is a water feature in the warmer months where kids can splash and play in the water. Besides all the play areas, there was also, a huge selection of books available. Throughout the library, there also were spots all over for kids (and adults!) to curl up and read or study.
Overall, both the nature center and library were places that we will definitely come back to. They both could have been spots that we spent several hours at. Also, they both would be fun in different seasons, as play at both could look different in the summer or spring. Best of all, they were free and great for kids of all ages! Hopefully, you can make a trip to Roseville to visit these hidden gems.
Location: 2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
Hours: Mondays- Thursdays: 10 am- 8 pm
Fridays – Saturdays: 10 am- 5pm
Sundays: 12-5pm
Until my next adventure,
Allie
Adventures with Sota Mama 
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